Mass Expulsion and Certificate Cancellation at JNU Without Due Process: JMBA Expresses Concern and Protest

BD Digest Desk

International human rights organization Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern, strong condemnation and protest over the unilateral decision of the Jahangirnagar University authorities.

In the wake of the anti-government protests from July 14 to 17 last year, the university authorities have permanently expelled 64 students, temporarily suspended 46 for various periods, and finally revoked the academic certificates of 73 former students. In addition, the certificates of 6 more have been suspended for two years.

However, the accused were not given any opportunity to defend themselves before these decisions were made.

According to JMBF, JU has completely failed to uphold its academic values and ensure minimum fairness. Taking such a major disciplinary action through a mere administrative decision is a clear violation of the Constitution of Bangladesh, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

In particular, freedom of expression, the right to defend oneself in judicial proceedings, and the right to universal education have been trampled on with complete vindictiveness.

According to various media outlets and JMBF’s own sources on campus, JU’s highest policy-making body, the Syndicate, approved such an inhuman decision based on the report of the university’s own one-sided investigation committee formed in a secret meeting late on Monday, August 4.

In this regard, French human rights activist and JMBF chief advisor Mr. Robert Simon said, “This is a clear violation of human rights. It is illegal and inhumane to take such unjust and harsh measures simply because of different political ideology without giving the accused the opportunity to defend themselves.”

He further said, “The failure to ensure justice in educational institutions carries an ominous message for a democratic state. We are deeply shocked by this behavior of the Jahangirnagar University administration.”

JMBF founding president and renowned human rights lawyer Advocate Shahinur Islam said, “Education is a fundamental right and the foundation of a person’s future. Expulsion for life or cancellation of certificate solely because of political ideology is nothing but cruelty. It is a direct violation of the Constitution and international human rights law.”

The human rights organization has strongly demanded the withdrawal of such an inhumane decision.